The mist clung to the mountain paths of Broken Sky Sect like a silken shroud, concealing the world beyond arm's reach. Lin Yuan moved with quiet grace, his figure blending into the mist, his aura completely restrained. Ever since his breakthrough to Qi Condensation Level 10—an achievement that should have been his limit—he had felt a strange power surging within him. But he kept it hidden, like a blade sheathed beneath silk.
His days fell into a quiet rhythm. Training his swordsmanship, refining his control over the Whispering Flame technique, and studying the sect's formation manuals. Yet, there was a hunger in him, a need to explore the depths of his newfound power. The Orb within him continued to pulse gently, absorbing the world's essence even without his conscious effort.
> [ORB INTERFACE ACTIVATED] — Environmental Absorption Continuous — Accumulating Pure Essence Energy — Refinement Progress: +40
But Lin Yuan soon realized that his rapid growth could not be concealed forever. The sect's elders were beginning to notice strange fluctuations in spiritual energy, and whispers of an unknown expert secretly cultivating had begun to spread. Unwilling to expose himself, Lin Yuan decided to leave temporarily.
Using a low-level sect mission as an excuse, he descended the mountain and ventured to a bustling city not far from Broken Sky Sect. The city's lively streets were a contrast to the serene mountain paths he was used to, but Lin Yuan kept a low profile, his aura restrained and his appearance ordinary.
Night fell, and as Lin Yuan wandered the quieter alleys, a chilling aura suddenly brushed against his senses. His eyes sharpened, and he followed the trace, his steps silent. Turning a corner, he saw a robed figure dragging several struggling children towards an abandoned courtyard.
"Let me go!" a child cried, fear etched across his small face.
The figure's voice was a low, raspy growl. "Quiet. Your souls will feed me, and soon I will ascend!"
Lin Yuan's gaze turned cold. A demon cultivator—one who used forbidden methods, sacrificing the innocent to gain power. Disgust filled him, and without hesitation, he stepped forward.
"Release them," Lin Yuan's voice was calm but carried an undeniable force.
The robed figure turned, revealing a pale, twisted face marked with dark veins. "Who dares—" the demon cultivator's words died as Lin Yuan's aura flared, his presence like an immovable mountain.
> [ORB INTERFACE] — Energy Absorbed: +50 — Realm Elevated: Qi Condensation (Level 10, Peak) — Unique Cultivation Pathway Activated
The demon cultivator's eyes widened. "A mere Qi Condensation brat dares interfere?"
Lin Yuan didn't reply. His hand flicked, and a blade of fiery energy manifested, slashing toward the demon cultivator. The demon cultivator shrieked, but his dark aura tried to counter. Shadows writhed around him, but they crumbled under Lin Yuan's might.
Realizing the danger, the demon cultivator turned to flee, but Lin Yuan's figure blurred, appearing before him. A strike of flame sliced through the darkness, severing the demonic energy.
The demon cultivator screamed, his body dissipating into black mist, leaving only a charred mark on the ground. The children stared at Lin Yuan in shock and awe, and he smiled gently. "You're safe now. Go home."
They nodded, stumbling away with grateful cries, and Lin Yuan watched them vanish into the night. But his face remained serious. A demon cultivator operating so boldly within the city? Such darkness so close to Broken Sky Sect could not be ignored.
But Lin Yuan had his own path to walk. His strength was growing, and with it, his awareness of the world's dangers.
He pulled his cloak tighter and disappeared into the misty streets, his thoughts already turning to his next move.